It's nice to see Ducati bringing it to the table in the competition against the Triumph Street 675. The Duc is still lacking in horsepower in comparison, but they both appear to make the same torque levels. It will be exciting to see what other Monsters will emerge - interesting that they started with the most basic instead of the top of the line.

It's nice to see Ducati bringing it to the table in the competition against the Triumph Street 675. The Duc is still lacking in horsepower in comparison, but they both appear to make the same torque levels. It will be exciting to see what other Monsters will emerge - interesting that they started with the most basic instead of the top of the line.

Well, the 696 is air-cooled so it will always be down on power. But they are fun to ride. I am imagining a new S4R with the 1098 motor.

It almost looks like the trellis frame isn't really the traditional trellis frame, but just a trellis appearing portion of a multi piece frame system, with a trellis appearance rather than a large aluminum or steel front spar...

Article says the dry weight of the Monster 696 is 355 lbs! Lightest in the class - well done. You're right, atypical1, that it looks like a teeny bike, especially as shown next to the CEO and presenter. For me it would be cramped for a long ride, but I'm sure it would be fun as a hooligan bike. Price-point will be very important, especially as compared to the Street Triple.

Gotta sort of agree with Mr. Whippy on questioning the bi-type frame - it makes the trellis seem a bit like an add-on. The Monster headlight shape and positioning definitely pay homage to the naked Yami FZ series sold in Europe, as well as the Brutale. The beefy gull-wing swingarm is a departure for Ducati, and seems close to the Kawasaki Versys, as well the more horizontal rear shock. The shortening of the rear section is reminiscent of the Speed Triple.

I wonder though if they will be producing the older generation Monster alongside the new ones, as didn't they just release a special S4RS tri-color version?

848 is definitely a hit. Seeing the radiator, I'm guessing this a 4-valve design. If only I were a rich man, I would buy both these!

Article says the dry weight of the Monster 696 is 355 lbs! Lightest in the class - well done. You're right, atypical1, that it looks like a teeny bike, especially as shown next to the CEO and presenter. For me it would be cramped for a long ride, but I'm sure it would be fun as a hooligan bike. Price-point will be very important, especially as compared to the Street Triple....

848 is definitely a hit. Seeing the radiator, I'm guessing this a 4-valve design. If only I were a rich man, I would buy both these!

I belive that "presenter" with Gabe DelTorchio is Claudio Domicelli, the head of Ducati Corse, but I could be wrong. Yes indeed, the 848 is a 4v engine. I'm not ga-ga over the new Monster: too much art, not enough muscle, IMO, entry level or not. Tomorrow we get to see the "possibly most significant Ducati in 10 years" bike. I'm betting on the naked 1098 rumours.

Speaking of Monster Art, here is video from the unveiling - they definitely play-up Monster placement in pop culture, as well I was surprised to see the dual-sport Monster (Terra-something, seen on advrider) shown for a second...

"...Claudio Domenicali, responsible for Ducati products, was also very satisfied because the 1098 presented last year has sold extremely well and helped lift the profile of the Italian company all over the world. “In the next few years we’ll present 11 new bikes, three new models and 8 redesigns.”

Here's Visordown's report on the 848 at the Milan show. Looking at the specs, apparently the weight of 168kg / 370lbs is minus battery, lubricants and coolant. Ducati aren't the first to do this but I wish they would state the ready to ride weight. Marketing people.....

Nice bike though, and still only around 400 pounds ready to ride I would guess.

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You should not anthropomorphize machines. They don't like it.Confucius says:"Forget about the past, you cannot change it. Forget about the future, you cannot predict it. Forget about the present, I didn't get you one."